7 episodes

This podcast delves into the thousands of Irish life stories in the archive of the Irish Oral History and Folklore Group known as Cuimhneamh an Chláir or Clare Memories. We’re based in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. The oral histories we’ve gathered reveal ordinary lives and extraordinary stories. The podcast will introduce you to the people and experiences that make the West of Ireland what it is. And we'll show you that the truly local is also global!

The Clare Oral History Podcast Clare Memories / Cuimhneamh an Chláir

    • History
    • 5.0 • 4 Ratings

This podcast delves into the thousands of Irish life stories in the archive of the Irish Oral History and Folklore Group known as Cuimhneamh an Chláir or Clare Memories. We’re based in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland. The oral histories we’ve gathered reveal ordinary lives and extraordinary stories. The podcast will introduce you to the people and experiences that make the West of Ireland what it is. And we'll show you that the truly local is also global!

    Robin O' Connell

    Robin O' Connell

    Episode 7 focuses on Robin O' Connell from Meelick, in South East Co. Clare - poitin maker,  Gaelic football supremo, tradition bearer, free spirit.

    This episode is dedicated to the memory of Margaret O' Connor,  who made lovely recordings of great people in O'Briensbridge, Co. Clare, and who gently insisted that we go meet Robin and record him.

    This episode is made with the support of Clare County Council through Clare County Library and Rethink Ireland.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram or Facebook
    Or e mail us at info@clarememories.ie

    • 36 min
    Stories of the Land

    Stories of the Land

    Episode 6 features stories of life on the land in Co. Clare. There are stories of farming and of the crafts associated with it, of entertainment and of the rhythms of rural life in Co. Clare in times past.

    John Vaughan from Kilfenora tells us about the tradition of wintering out cattle in the magical Burren area of Co. Clare.  
    Paddy Murphy from Mullagh tells us about cow doctors in the days before vets.  
    John Queally from Cooraclare and Susan Williams from Kilfenora tell us about the practice in country houses of killing a pig for food.  
    Teresa Flynn from Mountshannon describes the typical vegetable garden that was part of most farms in Co. Clare.  
    John Minogue from Glendree, Tulla gives a beautifully detailed and technical description of thatching houses.   
    Jimmy Gleeson from Coore in West Clare, tells us of supplementing farm incomes by hunting rabbits.  
    Patrick Flanagan from Doolin describes the joy of country house dances when the work day was over.
    The first 6 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram or Facebook

    • 30 min
    Stories of the Towns

    Stories of the Towns

    Episode 5 features stories of life in the towns of Co. Clare.
    Madeleine Killeen and Pat Foudy tell unusual stories of the lives of children and women in the town of Ennis.  Frank Sheedy and Mary Angela Keane tell us of the eclectic mix of people  who frequented the tourist town of Lisdoonvarna.  Tomsie O' Sullivan paints a vivd picture of the resort town of Lahinch on Garland Sunday - exotic long before its Wild Atlantic Way image.  Irene Doherty describes how a  young couple defy mixed marriage prejudice in Kilkee.  And Frank Davis tells of rural traditions alive and well in  Ennistymon

    The first 5 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook. 

    • 37 min
    Stories of Christmas

    Stories of Christmas

    Episode 4  features stories of Christmases past in Co. Clare in the West of Ireland.
    Stories of the magic of Christmas candles in the days before electricity, the hustle and bustle of decorating the house, what 'Santy' brought children, the aromas that remain forever in the memory of Christmas cooking and baking, and of course stories of The Wren!

    This podcast is based on a selection of stories contained in our CD of Christmas Memories from Co. Clare.  If you would like a copy of the CD, please contact us on info@clarememories.ie.  There's no charge for the CD, just for postage.

     The first 5 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook. 

    • 35 min
    A Woman's Work

    A Woman's Work

    Episode 3 features stories of the working lives of women in Co. Clare.
    Susan Williams in Kilfenora and Maura McInerney in Killaloe talk of hard physical labour.  Peggy Hogan in Feakle tells us of the magic of the washing machine.  Susan Barrett in Inagh and Annie Corry in Tulla tell stories of childbirth.  Nora McMahon in Ennistymon, Bridie Morgan and Mary Casey in Corofin all tell us about the work young girl-children were expected to do.  Moira Garry in Cooraclare and Nan Aherne in Ennistymon ran their own businesses.
     
     The first 5 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook. 

    • 41 min
    Stories of the Coast

    Stories of the Coast

    Episode 2 features stories of the Clare coastline.
    John Daly and Michael Falsey tell us about the herring fishing industry around Quilty.  Randal Counihan talks of ravenous seals and slaveships.  Pa Joe Mahony and Senan Blunnie talk of turfboats and seaweed.  Tommy Fahy on how a tsunami shaped the North Clare coast.  Manuel di Lucia goes spear fishing.  John Glynn explains how to land sharks using magic songs.  And Tomsie O' Sullivan reveals the secrets of the seawater baths in Lahinch!

    The first 5 episodes of this podcast are funded by The Heritage Council.

    Follow the work of Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook.
    Revamped website coming soon!

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
4 Ratings

4 Ratings

Catalpa Dutch Courage ,

Wonderful treasure trove

This is a beautiful, moving piece of culture and oral history. Thank you so much!

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